Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the upvc window repairs becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.